Falls Prevention Awareness Week 2025: From Awareness to Action

This week (15–19 September 2025), we’re shining a spotlight on Falls Prevention Awareness Week.

This year’s theme, From Awareness to Action, reminds us that falling is not an inevitable part of ageing. In fact, most falls can be prevented - and there’s a lot we can do to lower the risk.

Staying active, building strength, and keeping fit all play a vital role in helping older adults stay steady, confident, and independent.

Falls prevention in Lincolnshire

In Lincolnshire, our aim is simple:

1. To proactively identify people at risk of falling, whether at home or in care homes.

• To take steps to reduce that risk. This Proactive Falls Pathway work is led through the Neighbourhood Frailty Programme and supported in care homes through the Enhanced Health in Care Homes (EHCH) Programme. For more information, read the Lincolnshire Older Peoples Strategy 2023-28

Using data and insight to map variation and identify improvement opportunities, this proactive falls pathway is being embedded across Primary Care Networks.

The Strength and Balance Service, funded by Lincolnshire County Council and run by One You Lincolnshire, offers a free 24-week programme of exercises in community settings. It’s designed for residents aged 65 and over who may be at risk of falling, helping them build strength, improve mobility, and boost confidence to stay independent at home.​​​​​​​

• To improve what happens after a person has had a fall, making sure that the care and support they receive is consistent, well-coordinated, and makes the best use of existing services.

Support for health and care professionals

Falls information for health and care professionals can be found here:

• Falls Prevention, Strength and Balance
• Lincolnshire Falls pathway

Support for members of the public

• The website frailtypath.co.uk provides basic advice to Lincolnshire residents about the simple steps we can take to reduce risk. This website should not be treated as a substitute for medical advice from GPs or other medical professionals.
• Lincolnshire County Council Public Health Team is in the process of finalising the Falls Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA). Read the current version of the document (note this is being updated, but the content is still relevant): Falls -  Lincolnshire Health Intelligence Hub

Proactive Falls Pathway stories

James and Jo’s story

Summary

James, living with advanced Alzheimer’s, and his long-time carer Jo, faced enormous challenges after relocating to Lincolnshire.

James moved into a care home, but he struggled with mobility, disorientation, incontinence, and safety risks such as wandering and near-falls.

Jo, meanwhile, battled her own declining health and could no longer visit regularly, leaving James socially isolated. The situation placed both at risk of crisis.

A proactive care team stepped in with a holistic plan: mobility aids, orientation tools, continence support, and garden safety measures for James, alongside medical reviews and benefits advice.

Jo was referred for respite care and carer support, ensuring her own wellbeing was not overlooked. Social Prescribers also provided valuable community links to reduce isolation.

As a result, James remained safer and more comfortable, Jo felt supported, and both experienced improved quality of life.

The case highlights the power of early, person-centred, and joined-up care to prevent crises and protect dignity.

Background

James, who lives with advanced Alzheimer’s disease, and his long-time friend and carer, Jo, recently moved to Lincolnshire after a difficult incident left them both anxious. They tried to settle into a bungalow, but ongoing health problems and a lack of local support made life increasingly hard.

Together, they made the decision for James to move into a care home just five miles away. While the move was meant to provide stability, James struggled to adjust. He often felt disoriented in his new surroundings and came close to falling in the corridor. Staff became worried about his safety and wanted to put a clear plan in place to support him but were unsure who to turn to or what steps to take next.

Jo visits James whenever she can, but her own health has recently declined, limiting her visits to only occasionally. With no other friends or family nearby, James doesn’t have many visitors, which adds to his sense of isolation.

Challenges

• Old habits, new risks: James used to be a mechanic, so he still likes to “fix” things. While this shows his resourcefulness, it sometimes creates safety risks both at home and now in the care setting.
• Getting around: James finds it hard to get on and off the toilet, bed, or sofa, and he struggles with moving safely around the care home. He usually avoids his walking frame unless Jo encourages him.
• Finding his way: James has difficulty orienting himself in the care home, which can be disorienting and frustrating for him.
• Feeling alone: Jo’s visits have become less frequent as she struggles with her own wellbeing. Without her, James is feeling more socially isolated.
• Physical decline: As James’ Alzheimer’s progresses, his risk of falling is getting higher.
• Garden safety: James enjoys spending time outside, especially in the garden, but he sometimes wanders, which poses a safety concern. Extra measures are needed to keep him safe.
• Skin and weight concerns: James has lost weight and spends more time sitting, which increases his risk of developing pressure sores.
• Managing incontinence: James is experiencing incontinence, which needs ongoing support and care.

Interventions by the Primary Care Proactive Falls Pathway team:

• Making movement easier: The team introduced mobility aids - sofa raisers, toilet and bed supports, a shower chair, and a pressure cushion – to make daily life safer and more comfortable for James.
• Meaningful activities: The team suggested ways to keep James engaged, either by gently redirecting him when he wants to “fix” things, or by including him in safe maintenance tasks so he feels involved and purposeful.
• Helping with orientation: The team arranged for laminated picture signs to be placed on doors to make it easier for James to find his way around the bungalow.
• Financial wellbeing: The team connected James and Jo with the Wellbeing Service for a benefits review to make sure they’re getting the support they’re entitled to.
• Support for Jo: The team referred Jo to the Carer’s Service and Adult Social Care to explore a care package and provide her with extra help and respite.
• Health check-ins: The team worked with James’ primary care team to arrange home visits for diabetic reviews and to stay on top of his medication needs.
• Community connections: The team linked James and Jo with Social Prescribers for ongoing social and emotional support.
• Mobility support: The team provided Jo with a 4-wheeled walker, and referred James to the Wheelchair Service to help him move safely and independently.
• Safe time outdoors: The team contacted the district council about installing a garden gate so James can still enjoy being outside while staying safe.
• Continence care: The team referred James for a continence assessment to ensure he gets the right support and comfort.

Outcomes

• Moving safely: With the right equipment in place, James was able to move around the bungalow more confidently and enjoy the garden in safety.
• Better health support: Regular reviews and medication checks at home helped James and Jo manage health needs without added stress.
• Feeling connected: Support from Social Prescribers reduced James’ sense of isolation and gave Jo someone to lean on too.
• Financial security: A benefits review ensured their income was maximised, helping them feel more stable and supported, with suitable furniture provided to make daily living easier.
• Rest for Jo: Jo received respite care, giving her time to rest, recharge, and take part in her own activities.
• Precious time together: With carers in place, Jo was able to spend meaningful, quality time with James during his end-of-life stage.

Conclusion

The wraparound support from the Primary Care Proactive Falls Pathway team made a real difference to both James and Jo’s lives.

With the right help at the right time, they were able to enjoy more safety, comfort, and peace of mind. Without these interventions, they could have faced ongoing struggles, risking crisis, poorer quality of life, and exhaustion for Jo as a carer.

Key lessons learned

1. Whole-person care is key: Looking after physical and mental health, as well as social and financial wellbeing, creates the strongest foundation for good care.
2. Act early: Stepping in before challenges escalate prevents crises and helps people live more comfortably for longer.
3. Support the carer, too: Carers need rest and support so they can keep caring with energy, compassion, and resilience.
4. One size doesn’t fit all: Tailored aids and adaptations make a huge difference in helping people stay independent and safe.
5. The power of connection: Linking people with community services and social prescribers reduces loneliness and provides ongoing encouragement and support.
6. Bring care home: Home-based health reviews and treatments make care easier, especially for those who find it hard to travel.
7. Talk and work together: Good communication between services, individuals, and families is at the heart of positive outcomes.
8. Stay flexible: Needs change over time and care plans must adapt so support remains relevant and effective.

Above all, this story shows how a compassionate, person-centred approach - delivered early, flexibly, and with the whole family in mind - can transform the experience of living with complex health and social care needs.

Margaret's story

Summary

Margaret, 86, faced a difficult recovery after a hip dislocation, returning to her care home with severe back pain, reduced mobility, and low mood. Fiercely independent, she resisted help but struggled with daily tasks, leaving her at high risk of falls and further injury. Her husband Fred visited regularly but, due to his own poor eyesight, couldn’t provide the support she needed.

A proactive, joined-up response made a huge difference. The team coordinated with nurses and GPs, arranged pressure sore treatment, and reviewed her medication. Equipment such as toilet aids, walking frames, and a pressure cushion helped restore her independence and safety. Safety checks and emergency planning gave Margaret and Fred peace of mind, while advice on decluttering prepared them for a future move.

This case highlights how early, person-centred, and coordinated care not only improved Margaret’s physical safety but also protected her wellbeing and dignity, preventing crisis and supporting her independence.

Background

Margaret, 86, tripped on a mat and dislocated her hip around the area of her replacement joint. After being treated in A&E, she returned to the residential care home where she lives. Not long after, she began experiencing severe lower back pain.

A Practice Nurse has already visited and arranged referrals for an MRI scan, as well as to the primary care Occupational Therapist, because Margaret is finding it harder to move around and manage her daily activities.

Margaret has always valued her independence and prefers not to rely on staff, even for personal care. But lately, this has become a real struggle. She feels frustrated and depressed, becoming angry when people try to help her. At the same time, trying to cope alone is putting her at greater risk of another fall or injury.

Challenges

• Getting around: Margaret feels pain in her lower back when performing any activity that involves bending.
• Physical health: Margaret’s lower back pain is severe and puts her at risk of falling. Everyday tasks like climbing stairs, getting on and off the toilet, or moving between chairs are hard. She also has a pressure sore on her buttocks that needs attention.
• Emotional wellbeing: Because Margaret can’t move around like she used to, her mood has dropped. She often feels low and has little appetite.
• Support network: Margaret’s husband, Fred, visits her twice a week. He wants to help, but his poor eyesight makes him unsure about how much support he can safely give.

Interventions by the Enhanced Health in Care Homes (EHCH) programme:

Coordination of Healthcare Professionals - the EHCH team:

• Shared concerns with the Practice Nurse about Margaret’s low mood, reduced appetite, and the wait for her MRI.
• Referred Margaret to the Community Nursing Team so they could treat her pressure sore.

Provision of equipment – the EHCH team:

• Supplied toilet aids, walking frames, and a pressure cushion to make daily life safer and more comfortable.
• Offered a perching stool and armchair raisers, though Margaret chose not to use these.
• Arranged specialist advice on fitting an extra stair rail to support her on the stairs.

Safety and Emergency Planning – the ECHC team:

• Gave advice on how to reduce trip hazards at home and suggested a fire safety check.
• Provided “Message in a Bottle” kits (to store medical details for emergencies) and shared Age UK information packs with tips on decluttering and getting extra support if needed.

Outcomes

• Improved mobility and confidence: Margaret is now moving around her home with greater ease and can get on and off the toilet by herself. This independence has boosted her confidence and lowered her risk of falls.
• Better health management: Margaret’s pressure sore is being treated, her antidepressants have been adjusted, and new pain patches are giving her much-needed relief from back pain. These steps are helping her feel more comfortable and supported.
• Informed decisions: Margaret is fully informed about her MRI options and is actively considering a private appointment, showing her determination to take charge of her health.
• Positive planning for the future: Together, Margaret and Fred now have emergency plans in place and are thinking ahead about getting help with decluttering before their move. This forward-looking approach is giving them peace of mind and a sense of control.

Key lessons learned

• Act early to prevent crises: Quick, proactive support helped stop Margaret’s pain and mobility challenges from spiralling into further injury or hospital admission.
• Join the dots between services: Coordinated input from nurses, GPs, and therapists meant Margaret got the right care at the right time, without gaps or delays.
• Independence matters: Simple aids like toilet supports, walking frames, and a pressure cushion helped Margaret stay as independent as possible—boosting both her confidence and dignity.
• Listen to, and do what matters: Margaret didn’t want every piece of equipment offered, and that was respected. Listening to and respecting her preferences built trust and kept her engaged in her care.
• Care for body and mind: Addressing her back pain, treating her pressure sore, and adjusting her antidepressants supported not just her physical health, but also her mood and overall wellbeing.
• Support the family too: Helping Fred understand safety planning and future preparations gave him peace of mind and allowed him to keep playing a supportive role despite his own health limitations.
• Plan ahead, together: From decluttering advice to emergency kits, forward planning gave Margaret and Fred a sense of control and reassurance for the future.

Conclusion

Margaret’s story shows the difference that proactive, joined-up care can make. By addressing her physical pain, supporting her emotional wellbeing, and providing practical equipment, the team helped her regain independence and confidence while reducing the risk of further falls.

Respecting Margaret’s choices ensured she stayed in control of her care, while planning ahead with Fred gave them both peace of mind about the future.

This holistic, person-centred approach not only improved Margaret’s day-to-day life but also protected her dignity and wellbeing, reminding us that early, coordinated support can transform outcomes for people living with complex health needs.